A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving oxygen therapy via partial rebreather mask at 10 L/min. The nurse should instruct the patient to do which of the following to ensure effective oxygen delivery?

Choice A rationale:

Increasing the flow rate of oxygen may not be the priority action because the patient's shortness of breath could be due to a problem with the mask itself, rather than the amount of oxygen being delivered. Before making any adjustments to the oxygen flow rate, it is essential to assess the equipment's integrity.

Choice B rationale:

This is the priority action because a partial rebreather mask relies on the patient's exhaled breath to partially fill the reservoir bag. If the mask bag does not remain inflated during both inspiration and expiration, the patient may not be receiving the appropriate oxygen concentration, leading to increased shortness of breath. Checking the mask bag ensures that the mask is functioning correctly and delivering the intended oxygen concentration.

Choice C rationale:

Switching the patient to a non-rebreather mask for higher oxygen delivery is not the priority action in this scenario. The non-rebreather mask is used when high oxygen concentrations are required, such as in emergencies or when a patient's condition requires immediate intervention. However, the priority at this moment is to assess the current equipment's effectiveness before considering a change in oxygen delivery method.

Choice D rationale:

Reassuring the patient that shortness of breath is common with this type of mask is not appropriate without first addressing the issue at hand. The nurse should first assess the mask's functionality to ensure it is working correctly and providing the appropriate oxygen concentration before addressing the patient's concerns.

Choice A rationale:

Nasal cannula delivers oxygen through two small prongs placed in the patient's nostrils. While it is a commonly used and well-tolerated device, the FiO2 delivered can vary significantly depending on the patient's breathing pattern and respiratory rate. Thus, it does not provide the most precise and consistent FiO2.

Choice B rationale:

Simple face masks cover the nose and mouth and can provide higher FiO2 levels compared to nasal cannulas. However, the FiO2 delivered still depends on the patient's breathing pattern and the mask's fit, making it less precise and consistent than other options.

Choice C rationale:

Venturi masks are designed to deliver a specific and accurate FiO2, regardless of the patient's breathing pattern. These masks have adjustable ports to control the mix of air and oxygen, providing precise oxygen concentrations.

Choice D rationale:

Non-rebreather masks have one-way valves and a reservoir bag to deliver higher concentrations of oxygen. Although they can provide high FiO2 levels, the delivered concentration can vary based on the patient's breathing pattern and the mask's fit.